by Jenny Alexander

1. Learn more about Amazon’s software (Kindle Create) before you submit your book for publishing. For example, they have a built-in table of contents. I didn’t realize this when I uploaded my first book.
2. Get a professional-looking cover. For my first two books, I used templates Amazon provided. They were okay, but the difference between those and the ones made by a professional was huge. I recommend GetCovers. They have affordable prices and do awesome work. If you’d like to try them and use my affiliate link, I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Fiverr is another place to get reasonably-priced covers. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars.
3. If you can afford a professional editor, hire one. If you can’t, free programs like Grammarly, Hemmingway Editor, and WritingAidPro are helpful. You can even run your book through all three programs. Reading aloud is another wonderful proofreading tip. You can also ask a friend or family to proofread for you.
4. Learn more about Facebook or Amazon ads before you use them. I tried Facebook ads monthly with little to no success. I discovered a formula that seemed to work when giving away my books for free.
5. Don’t give away your books free too often. If you’re in Amazon’s KDP Select program, consider giving away free books in exchange of a review. You could also give away free copies in conjunction with a special calendar date, or when your first book launches.
6. Don’t expect overnight success. It takes time to build an audience that trusts and values you. I’m still trying to figure out how to market myself, my books, and my message.
7. Consider using appropriate hashtags for social media posts whether you’re on Facebook or Instagram. New contacts can find you this way.
8. Find interview opportunities. This is a great way to market yourself and tell your story. I’d recommend Central Valley Talk. They’re a live internet-based talk show that can interview authors anywhere in the world. The interviewer makes you feel at complete ease and asks amazing questions. You can also search for podcasts in your niche and ask the podcast owner for an interview.
9. Written interviews are also helpful. Consider starting with Awesome Gang. You only need to click the link and fill in the form.
10. If you start accumulating interviews, list them on your website, and don’t forget to share your interviews on social media.
11. Consider having someone beta-read your manuscript. I won a beta read through Orange Lotus Editing Service. Their suggestions were so helpful and helped me so much with my fourth book.
12. Consider if you want to publish your book on Amazon only or through other channels. If you use Amazon only, they offer free ISBNs. If you want to publish elsewhere, you’ll need to get your own ISBN.
13. If you’re discouraged by the lack of sales, hang in there. Some months will be better than others. As I said before, it takes time to find your audience. It’s worth putting in the work and getting your name out there.
14. Don’t beat yourself up if you find typos after you publish. Even traditionally-published books have typos in them. When you self-publish, fixing any typos found is easy – at least through Amazon.
15. Don’t think a book has to be many pages, words, or chapters long. My books are all under 60 pages, yet have great value and the ability to encourage and help my intended audience.

I hope that no matter where you are on your self-publishing journey, these tips encourage you.

If you’re struggling in the areas of divorce recovery, dating, or friendships, consider my books.

Jenny has a story to tell. Her story is one of recovery and hope. Though her unhealthy first marriage ended in divorce, she healed and now thrives. She writes to help others recover and make better choices when it comes to love. She is a happy housewife and author who lives in Ontario with her husband, Curtis. She loves pursuing creative interests like sketching, playing the violin, and writing. She holds a Masters in Human Services Counselling from Liberty University.

Find her online here.

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If you’re an indie author and you’re interested in guest posting on this blog, email here.